Friday, June 26, 2026

Spitfire MK.I/II over HMS Illustrious

 


2 comments:

  1. Evidently that Spitfire is a MkV. It has twin 20mm cannon (extremely rare on MkI), a somewhat extended fuselage forward of the cockpit for its engine (larger than the MkI/II engines), distinctive windscreen, fishtail exhausts, and a spinner different from the spinners on MkI/II.

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  2. Most likely a Seafire Mk I, the first Seafires were Spitfire MkVBs with an A frame arrestor hook added. The landing gear was not robust enough for carrier landings so Grumman Wildcats (called Martlets in the RN) and Hellcats and Vought Corsairs replaced the Seafire as they became available.
    Al_in_Ottawa

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